If I had an agent and a publishing deal, I would like to be featured as a debut novelist in a writing magazine. The article would read something like this:

Remember that the struggle was there at the beginning and it can rear its ugly head at anytime. Not only does one have to learn the craft of writing well, one also has to learn to write a synopsis and a query or cover letter. It is something every writer has to deal with – so deal with it the best you can.

Low moods and positive thoughts: everyone has a down day – that’s called being human – accept the lows and move on. Be aware of your mind set and don’t punish yourself if you can’t see the good in anything you do – it will pass and the positive vibes will come swimming back.

Thinking time: don’t think that thinking time is a waste of time – it’s a time to reflect on the WIP to think of new twists and plots and to listen to what the characters are saying to you. Agatha Christie would get new ideas whilst washing the dishes – I do enough of that to have ideas for the next fifty novels!

Read: don’t always criticise your own work when reading that of others – embrace the difference and challenge your perceptions about style and format.

Believe in yourself: if you can’t, why should anyone else – but don’t sound cocky – no one likes a bulbous head.

Perseverance: don’t let rejections bring your writing crashing to a halt. To embrace the concept of being a writer, one has to embrace the rejections. If you feel your plot line is off beam, study your mind map or take some thinking time to consider the options. Don’t give up a WIP if you feel stuck, work through it – embrace the challenge.

One day I hope to become a published novelist. I would always remember these days and I would hope to inspire and encourage other hopefuls. I am aware that all the above points would still be relevant even if published, but it doesn’t stop me desiring to write write write.

Welcome Rob, thanks for the follow.

Happy Word Flow One & All

I didn’t realise how time consuming having a blog was. Life outside of writing eats into precious time like a ravaging tornado.

I have been focusing on current WIP – psychological thriller – Dark Edges – working title. I am sometimes so consumed by the characters, their secrets and their dark deeds that real life pales into insignificance.

i have been avidly reading books & articles on Showing & Telling as it was mentioned to me on youwrite.com that I sometimes do both at once. For example, I show that someone is anxious by actions of chewing fingernails or bottom lip; but then I spoil it by pointing out that they are feeling anxious.

It seems to be a sin to Tell but then i read an article in Writers’ Forum by Hugh Scott saying that “To advise writers to avoid Tell …is advising them to avoid simplicity.”

When reading novels I notice that authors use Tell, but perhaps they can because they’re published authors or a big name. I can’t always fathom out the rules, but I like the idea of writing as a free form that sucks the reader into another world – nothing wrong with that I say.

Happy Word Flow One & All

I keep reading in articles and text books to “never give up” “persistence is the key” and “it took me 10yrs but I made it”.

Yes, yes I say to myself with a knowing nod; and yes I do believe. I live in hope and faith that I will one day be a published author.

I remember when my professional articles were published – the elation I felt at seeing my name in print and by the same token how weird it felt.

When one of my articles was used as a heading on the front cover of The Nursing Times, and I could see it on the shelf in WHSmith, I finally felt I’d achieved something.

I want to feel that high again, I want to see a book cover with my name emblazoned across the cover and I want to keep writing novel after novel as that’s what keeps me sane.

There is a saying, “I want never gets” so I should abide by the rule I told my daughters (and which worked by the way), and request, ask politely – but steer away from begging – and wish that someone would notice the raw talent in me – I’m far from polished, but rawness has its qualities if one were to look hard enough.

I am still living in hope that the literary agent who requested the first 3 chapters after i sent her a query letter, will request to see all of On God’s Front Lawn and will then fall in love with it. This is the furthest I have got and if this fails, I think I will hit a very dark low – but will survive as we all do – it’s part of the life we have chosen.

The sun has appeared and I have rambled long enough – I hope that some of you managed to stay with me until the end – and if you’re new to this blog, please follow me as I have quality followers, not quantity. I’m trying not to beg for more followers, but I’m asking nicely 🙂

Happy Word Flow One & All